Reversible lane: Exploring Lane Management Alternatives BY Vijay R Ezapa Arvind Emelinda M Parentela
Outline Introduction Purpose Of Study Scope Approaches Conclusion
Introduction The present roads are overbuilt for 18 hours a day and also the entire weekends Need of the hour -Optimum utilization of existing infrastructure Lack of resources land, money, impacting flow
Reversible Lanes Mitigation - directional biased, peak-hour movement Increase the capacity of a roadway significantly Minimal need of investment in roadway or control infrastructure Objective - take advantage of underutilized lanes.
History Direction biased traffic In 1928 Ralph T. Dorsey tested it in Los Angeles Reversible lane concept was introduced Used metal-based stanchions initially.
Hines center line concept- delineate traffic A solid yellow line partitioning the roadway
Hines concept - not appropriate for Reversible lane. Depicting a reversible lane
(Contd.) Using variable sign boards beginning of reversible lane Signs initially notifies driver - doesn t bind or remind to follow the unmarked centerline.
Other Name Major hurdle Safety Factor Protest against Reversible(Suicide) Lane
Literature Review 65 percentage or more traffic moving in a particular direction during peak hours justifies the application of Reversible lanes. - AASHTO Modern Advancement - Dynamic Lane Reversal Realigns lanes quickly and automatically - instantaneous traffic conditions
Literature Review (Cont d) Matthew Hausknecht study - dynamic lane reversal - increase in efficiency by 72% Lamberti and Wolshon study low confidence levels in pertaining to reversible lanes Drivers comfort level tailgating than going alone.
Literature Review (Contd.) Primary cause driver s limitation of understanding Driver is an outdated human with stone-age characteristics and performance who is controlling a fast, heavy machine in an environment packed with unnatural, artificial signs and signals. - Reflected in Rumar s conclusion
Future of Traffic Management Solid yellow line was introduced in 1911 by Hines, and we are following it till now Future: Controlling the Solid Yellow line Requires remote, reliable and dynamic turning on
Purpose of Study Propose - New concepts and strategies - manage directional flows - both freeways and urban roads, Attractive alternative - solving traffic congestion.
Scope Development of methods and strategies- Optimum utilization A proved alternative Safety Enhancement
PROPOSED APPROACHES FOR REVERSIBLE LANE MANAGEMENT Using Electro-luminescent paint, Using In-Pavement LED, Using Fully Automated Retractable Bollards.
Electro-luminescent Paint Illuminates with passage of electric current Practical implementations ~motorcycle paint industry. Painted on a motorcycle
Implementation Scenario 1: Heavy traffic - West bound - 1:3 ratio 3 lanes favoring major direction Scenario 2: Near Equal Traffic - lane ratio 2:2 Scenario 3: Heavy traffic - East bound 3:1 ratio Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
Limitation Needs development to attain durability, to withstand repetitive passes from 1) Vehicular traffic, 2) Varying weather conditions Demand to integrate with traffic signal controller.
In-pavement LED markers Usage - smart crosswalks, lane delineation, route guidance on ramps, lane curvatures, pavement edges. Alternative - separate traffic flow based on real-time traffic demand. Night view of In-Pavement LED markers
Implementation Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
Limitations LED markers - closely spaced during daytime - Discomfort Reliable operation of LED s integrating to controller is a challenge.
Fully Automated Retractable Bollards Commonly used - safety barrier On freeways, opposing traffic separated- dividers Replaced by Retractable Bollards Retractable bollards in a parking lot
Implementation Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
Limitations Requires modification to its design parameters 1) Deal with high speed car impacts, 2) Ease in lowering and uplifting it, 3) Controlling its operations remotely. Imbedding into the pavement - new constructions
Switching the Lane Alignment Movement of traffic changes - Time Re-orientation of Lane(s) - Traffic demand
Switching the Lane Alignment Stage 1: Monitor the Traffic Stage 2: Flash, lights for certain amount of time Stage 3: Turn on lights Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Switching the Lane Alignment For Retractable bollards, embedded pavement lights should be mounted on top of them.
Switching the Lane Alignment Commuters have to be educated extensively in this regard. Also care has to be taken during the transition phases like 1) Allotting more time for flashing lights, and 2) Checking no occupancy on the reversing lane.
Comparison of Proposed Approaches Electro-luminescent paint In-pavement LED markers Fully Automated Retractable Bollard Areas of Application Urban Areas Urban Areas Freeways (no dividers) (no dividers) Development Very Futuristic Can be implemented right away (alternate to dividers) Can be implemented using present technology with major modifications Cost Not yet certain as it requires further research Best alternative economically Very expensive as it requires bollards assembly and control mechanisms, and re- paving of roadways Limitation Development of this kind of paint to handle wear and tear of the roads is a major challenge To achieve high intensity light LED markers have to be closely spaced which may result in discomfort for the driver while changing lanes. This requires relaying the pavement to accommodate the retractable bollards so appropriate for new roads
Conclusion Using the proposed technologies - improves traffic safety Paving a viable solution for dynamic lane management system. Innovative way to optimize the use of existing infrastructure
Questions